Dear Friend,

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by family and friends. We have so much to be thankful for in Nebraska and across our great country.

2024 has been a contentious year in Washington, with its fair share of fights and drama. And while those fights get media attention, there are plenty of positive stories that don’t make headlines.

I’d like to share some of those stories with you during this season of thanks, because this year, I’m most thankful for the opportunity to help Nebraskans, whether through casework or legislation.

Each year, my staff speaks with hundreds of Nebraskans facing roadblocks in the federal government. Our office does everything we can to solve problems, and I have wonderful staff who help me get things done for my fellow citizens.

For example, a veteran we will call John reached out to my office this year. John was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer, but he was still struggling to get his claim processed with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). John asked if we could help.

My staff worked with a county veteran service officer and a VA office to find out why John’s claim wasn’t being processed. Our inquiry highlighted the urgency of John’s case, causing them to expedite John’s exam so he and his family could receive the benefits they needed. After our inquiry, John and his family received almost $70,000 in backpay, along with several other veteran benefits. Now, John has the benefits he earned through his years of serving our country.

To read more of this story, click here.

This month, Nebraskans entrusted me for the third time with the greatest honor of my life, and I’m humbled by their decision to return me to the U.S. Senate for six more years. Like the past 12 years, I will honor my commitment to advocate for all Nebraskans in my next term.

Click here to read more about my plans for the new Congress under a Trump administration.

NDAA

With election season behind us, the Senate is back in session. This year we cannot afford to complacently wait for a new administration to begin. We must pass the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA.

This bill is the foundation for our national defense each year. It authorizes critical projects, provides direction to the Department of Defense, and prepares our nation against global threats. Without it, we put our national security at risk.

Farm Bill

Many farms and ranches across our state are experiencing drought conditions. This is likely causing some variable yields, and drought has certainly affected pasture and range conditions as well.

I am working with my colleagues to pass a strong Farm Bill next Congress that prioritizes producers’ needs and addresses the unique problems they are facing right now.

The Time is Right for Paid Family Leave

Families should not be forced to choose between making ends meet and taking care of their loved ones. But today, only 27 percent of workers in the private sector have access to paid family leave.

Thankfully there is a solution. We can provide tax benefits to businesses that offer employees paid leave, which will in turn free up resources businesses can use to pay the salaries of workers on leave.

This upcoming Congress, I am dedicated to advancing this bill that will support all families in need.

Click here to watch my speech on the Senate floor about how now is the right time to pass Paid Family Leave.

This month, the United Nations’ International Criminal Court (ICC) wrongly issued arrest warrants for Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense chief, Yoav Gallant.

The ICC has no credibility. Issuing arrest warrants for leaders defending their nation against terrorist attacks is absurd. I will continue to stand with Israel.

Senate Passes Credentialing Reform Bill Championed by ATA

Fischer rallies for paid family leave tax credits

Senate farm bill proposal makes climate a USDA priority

Senators propose act to cut off UN agencies that exclude Israel

Republican Deb Fischer defeats Independent Dan Osborn, wins third term as US Senator

Democratic dark money giant strikes out in Nebraska Senate race

Fischer Statement on Senate Leadership Election

Fischer Rallies Support for Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Bill

Fischer Statement on ICC’s Arrest Warrant for Israeli Leaders

Keeping the Farm in the Farm Bill

My Greatest Honor

Forget “Lame Duck”—We Must Pass the Defense Bill

The dedication of Nebraska’s veterans can be a natural fit in the ag industry. I visited with Farm Credit to discuss how we can help vets find opportunities in ag after their service is complete.

Norfolk faces the same problem as most American cities: there is simply not enough housing. I met with the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce about the housing shortage and their exciting plans for a downtown revitalization.

Twin Loups Reclamation District stopped by my DC office this month. Their work helps preserve our water resources for the next generation of Nebraska’s farms and ranches.

This year, I was proud to support the Winnebago's fight for their ancestral lands. This month, I met with Chairwoman Kitcheyan to discuss the land transfer and other federal priorities. I am excited to finally see the last few steps of righting this wrong complete!

Thank you for participating in the democratic process.